Loose Diamonds

Diamond Symmetry

Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets in a diamond. Although to the naked eye finish features only have a tiny effect on appearance, symmetry is significant. In diamonds that have low clarity grades, symmetry is less important, but in diamonds with very high clarity grades, symmetry is very important.

Wavy Girdle

The girdle of a diamond should be a flat plane, parallel to the table. In this example the girdle "waves" as it wraps around the diamond.

Crown & Pavilion Misalignment

In a round diamond the top points of the pavilion mains and the bottom points of the bezel facets should meet precisely at the girdle. We can see in this example the diamond's crown and pavilion facets are misaligned.

Extra Facets

These are typically located on the pavilion, near the girdle, but they can be found anywhere on a diamond. In this example we see where extra facets commonly occur.

Off-Center Culet

To check if the culet is centered, look at the diamond in the face-up position. You'll see the lower girdle facets through the table. If the lines formed by them look like a perfect square, the culet is centered. If the cross bends one way of the other, the culet is not centered. In this example we see what an off-centered culet might look like.

Off-Center Table

The placement of the table (the largest facet on a diamond) should be centered at the top of the stone and needs to be parallel to the girdle. If the table is off-center or not parallel with the girdle this can cause uneven crown angles from one side to the other. In this example we see the unbalanced appearance that occurs from an off-center table.

Table & Girdle Not Parallel

Here we see another example of what occurs when the table is not parallel with the girdle. As you see, the crown angle is much steeper on one-side than the other. From the top view you may have noticed an off-center table.

Misshapen Face

A correct table displays a regular octagon shape. It should have eight sides of equal length that are each parallel to the opposing opposite facet. In this example we see facets that are not properly shaped, or they are not the same size and shape as others like them on the face of the diamond.

Faces Not Pointing Up

Some diamonds display facets that are not properly pointed. Facet patterns of round brilliants are meant to show a precise arrangement of 58 perfectly shaped facets. In this example we see some that some do not meet at a direct point.

Naturals on Crown and Pavilion

A natural is the original "rough" of the diamond. Naturals always occur or start out on the girdle. They either dip towards the pavilion or the crown. In this example we see the natural located on the girdle running down into the pavilion.